For the first time in 20+ years I didn’t have a Halloween alternative at church. I have always been at a church that had that built into their culture but River Valley does not currently. I know this is a hot button issue and I have been on every side of it now. I trick or treated as a kid then we stopped because it was “of the devil”.
I know this is going to offend some people but I took my family trick or treating instead. No demonic possession took place. We did not sacrifice animals on altars. My girls were polite, kind and full of joy. My four year old showed us almost every piece of candy and “rejoiced” over it. Also though I must say that at any of the “alternative” events we did my girls got way more candy if they wanted it. Even what we got was way to much for them.
Whatever the origins of Halloween (please don’t link me books or articles, I’ve read them all) today its all about family fun and CANDY, CANDY, CANDY. I know everyone has their own convictions and I appreciate and honor your convictions. Mine have changed. I haven’t “backslidden”. I still love Jesus, the Holy Spirit hasn’t departed from my life. Judge me if you want. My Jesus is bigger than anything.